Friday, October 17, 2008

Here are a couple pictures of flooding in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District taken this morning by the marketplace in the center of town. A press release from Belize Electric Company Limited (BECOL) states that the Challio Facility has reached its full supply level and as a result, water is now flowing over the dam by as much as 3½ meters.

The flood control features of the Challio Facility have reduced the impact of floods on downstream communities by approximately 50%. With the persistent rains, BECOL expects that with the spill over the dam will continue to rise and therefore downstream residents are advised to take necessary precautions. Residents in the San Ignacio area should be aware that the floods on the Mopan Branch of the river is unrestrained and will likely back up into the lower reaches of the Macal River, resulting in very high water levels.

BECOL takes this opportunity to correct misperceptions that it has opened a flood gate, causing a rapid rise in the water. On the contrary, Chalillo holds back all the water it possibly can and then excess water spills over the facility at a slower rate than it would have done if the Dam was not there.